Chennai: It has been weeks since a draft code of regulation for play schools was put up in the state government website. However, the fundamental question before the Directorate of Elementary Education before finalising the document is what constitutes a ‘playschool’. Experts point out that if one goes by the definition given in the document, there is a lot of explaining to do. As, according to chapter 1 (introduction), the code applies to a ‘play school’, which includes kids school, or any other pre-kindergarten school, imparting informal education to children in the age group of one-and a-half years to three-and-a-half years.
This general disposition, argue experts, is ambiguous as there is no attempt to distinguish a play school from pre-school and more significantly, the ‘day care’ activity centres, which in most cases are linked to a pre-schooling programme.The draft code has seemingly grouped all these three distinct programmes into one large category and thus warrants the attention of authorities while finalising the document.
Speaking to DC, Raj Ganesh, managing director, Arise ‘n’ Shine International, said he was glad that the government had sought to bring in a uniform system across playschools in the state, or in other words properly regulate them by issue of approvals. However, he pointed out that certain elements of the draft needed review. “The programmes of play schools are structured for working parents to keep the children on a part-time or full-time day care. If we implement the three hour schedule, this will affect parents who are both working parents,” he said.
Indeed, there were some points as listed under the draft rules that remain the subject of contention. Observing that there was a growing trend of parents opting to enroll their children into a day care centre as a result of being held up in workplace, Jaya Shastri, founder-director of Seed Pre-School, said, “As much as 20 per cent of children admitted in our school are in the day care centre. Play schools and preschools are different entities. More clarity is needed on the guidelines which are currently mentioned in the draft.”
When contacted, an official of the elementary education department said the uploaded document was only a draft version. “We are inviting feedback and suggestions from all stakeholders, including parents and schools. Their opinions will be reflected in the final version.”
Working mom's schedule may go for toss
M. Varshini, a private firm employee, has a two-year-old son, Akash. Though Akash is yet to go to a play school, Varshini acknowledges it was only a matter of time before he is enrolled in one.
However, after going through the draft regulation, there is an apprehension that she might have to put her professional career on stake. While the 15-page draft document has been welcomed for its attempt to regularise all play schools, several of its points have been picked up in recent days for scrutiny, including on how it adversely affects the schedule of working mothers. Several points as listed on the document are the subject of contention.
While in the past Varshini would have simply enrolled Akash in a play school near her work place and picked him up in the evening, the new draft rules doesn’t allow such liberty. “As per the new rules, which specifies Akash needs to be in the school for only three hours, I think I will have to quit my job to take care of him through the day,” she said. That her ‘right’, as also the right of countless other women professionals, to choose a play school to suit her convenience is taken away is the core argument.
Another clause, which is similarly troubling is the limitation placed on a school to admit children residing within one-kilometer radius. Kavitha Karthikeyan, a housewife and a resident of Palavakkam, said while the intention might have well been to reduce the traveling distance, the rule needed to be flexible. “A lot of decent play schools are in Thiruvan miyur. So it is only natural that I seek to admit my child in one of those schools rather than being forced to settle with limited options,” she said.
